From Birnin Kebbi

Governor Idris made the observation in a congratulatory message, to felicitate with General Abdulsalam (Rtd) on his 83rd birthday.

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Communication and Strategy, Abdullahi Idris Zuru, Idris explained that General Abdusalam resisted several unsuccessful threats and blackmail from within and outside the country, and peacefully handed over the country to a democratically elected government.

He said in part: “It is this your patriotic and selfless sacrifice that resulted in uninterrupted 26 years of productive democratic governance.”

He added that it was General Abdusalam’s uncommon doggedness, unlike military leaders, which strengthened the pride of Nigeria in the comity of nations and resulted in his consideration for international and sub-regional assignments and across the globe.

While praying for longevity and sound health and Allah’s continuous guidance and blessings to General Abdusalam, Governor Idris advised the Nigerian Armed Forces and indeed the ECOWAS region not only to celebrate the consequential  Nigerian democratic hero, but also emulate his record of selfless service and promotion of democracy.

Idris added that Abdusalam’s birthday anniversary, which coincided with Nigeria’s celebration of Democracy Day, would be a blessing to the nation’s democratic development.